Firm Pays Orthodox Jew $1500 in Bias Case

An Orthodox Jew has been paid $1500 in settlement of a complaint of discrimination against a New York City computer consulting firm, it was reported today by Howard I, Rhine, president of the National Jewish Commission on Law and Public Affairs (COLPA), which represented the complainant.

The case developed from the refusal of the firm to interview the Orthodox Jew for a position as a computer programmer because he could not work on the Jewish Sabbath. His complaint was filed with the New York State Division of Human Rights. Dennis Raps, a COLPA attorney, who is also executive director of COLPA, represented the complainant at a preliminary hearing. In addition to the monetary settlement, Rhine said the firm also agreed to refrain from any further acts of discrimination against Sabbath observers. Under the settlement agreement neither party was identified.